Instant Messaging
Instant messaging (IM) is the prime option for quick communication, and can be used for impromptu conferencing as well. Using rich presence, users can obtain contact information at a glance and send an IM to one person or invite multiple people to a conferencing session within the IM window for easy, convenient communication with just a click of a button.

Presence
It is increasingly common for people and teams to work from different locations and time zones using diverse means for communication which can make knowing when to contact someone challenging. Rich presence, the foundational element of Microsoft Lync, helps users make the right communication choices by providing detailed information about a person's availability and status.

Presence status can be controlled directly by the user or set automatically based on Microsoft Office Outlook calendar, login status, and other information sources. Users can individualise access levels for different contacts to share information with them. Presence is available throughout Microsoft Office applications so users can make a phone call from within Outlook or share a comment with a business document author from within the context of work.